Photography is Dead! Long Live Photography!

Newsweek.com has posted an interesting story about the current state of photography. The story brings up good (if not old) points about the digital revolution and photography's departure from realism.

I guess I could complain about how digital photography had taken the "art" out of being a photographer but that's bullshit. Having spent many hours on my computer trying to create photo illustrations for some of my clients, I can more then appreciate the skills required to be a good photoshop jockey.

I do miss film (and the fact that in the long run, it was much more cheaper on the pro level). The finality of it meant that you had to get it right the first time. Now you can shoot your subject evenly lit on a green screen and just add background and lighting effects in post.

There is a love/ hate relationship in the now won digital revolution for me. The corporate photographer in me loves the ability to create things that my budget would normally not allow. Photoshop always keeps my imagination challenged for ways to communicate to an audience. The photojournalist loves being able shoot, edit, caption and send from the cab of my Ford Ranger.

Deep down inside though, there is 20-year-old shooter that misses the grain of Ilford Delta and the hours spent hand processing rolls of film. I remember being impressed with my self when I came back with 10 good shots on a roll of 36. Now I shoot a 2 GB card with 500 jpegs and maybe edit 20 of those.

But hey, they are still 20 damn good pictures!

Welcome

Hello. My name is Dan Anderson. I am a freelance photographer living in Mobile, Alabama. I have been shooting in this area for about 6 years, and most of that time has been spent shooting full time.

I stared this blog as a way for me to talk about shooting and the photography business. Although I would like to be as honest as possible, the names of most of my clients will not be mentioned (I'm sure you can guess the reason's why). Feel free to comment and please be as honest with your opinion as possible.

-cheers